The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently touching Eli's face. He stirred lazily, rubbed his eyes, and sat up. The villa was unusually quiet, as if time itself had paused.
Stretching, Eli got dressed and slowly stepped out of the bedroom. In the living room, he saw Simon and Dotai entering hurriedly, their expressions tense. The moment they saw Eli, they quickened their pace.
"Captain! Good morning. This morning, Dotai and I planned to go out and buy some supplies, but Whiskey Mountain Town was eerily silent. There wasn't a single person in sight," Simon said, frowning.
Dotai quickly added, "Yes, Captain. We found it strange, so we searched the town thoroughly. In the end, we had to enter some houses to check. All the residents were lying in their beds, completely unconscious. No matter how much we called or shook them, there was no response at all."
Eli's brow furrowed with curiosity. He knew from Reiku that the tonic wine they had administered could cause deep sleep, but he did not know how long it would last. He quickly asked, "Has anyone died?"
Simon shook his head. "No signs of death yet. But… their life energy seems to be slowly increasing."
Eli thought for a moment, then reasoned, "Hmm… it must be the tonic wine from last night still taking effect. Its duration is longer than we expected. In that case, there's no need to intervene. Once the effect wears off, they should naturally wake up."
Simon and Dotai nodded, understanding. They returned to their tasks, moving supplies from the Silver Dragon to the villa. Storing magnetic energy with the recording compass took time, and they planned to stay in the villa during the process.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Sengoku received an unexpected order from the World Government. It instructed him to raise Eli's bounty to an astronomical level.
Sengoku could not understand the rationale. Previously, after Eli had defeated a Celestial Dragon and Akainu, Sengoku had wanted to raise the bounty, but the World Government had blocked the move. Now they suddenly reversed their decision, citing the ridiculous claim that Eli had murdered World Government personnel.
Surely, killing a Celestial Dragon and a Marine admiral was far more serious than that.
Despite his confusion, Sengoku had no choice but to comply. He summoned Vice Admiral Tsuru, Vice Admiral Garp, and Admiral Kizaru. Aokiji and the newly promoted Admiral Snek were out on assignments.
Once everyone arrived, Sengoku got straight to the point, showing them the World Government's order.
Tsuru's brows furrowed as she read the document, her expression grave. "It seems the World Government intends to act against Eli. The question is what measures they will take. Raising the bounty alone is insufficient; that kid is not so easy to deal with."
Garp, munching on a donut, scratched his head and said nonchalantly, "They always pull little tricks. Anyway, as long as that kid doesn't provoke the Marines, it's fine by me."
Kizaru yawned lazily. "Yo-yo-yo, Eli has become really dangerous now."
Sengoku's gaze swept across them, serious as ever. "Regardless, we must be prepared. Eli and his crew are formidable. If the World Government takes further action, the Marines will inevitably be involved. Recall Wings to Headquarters. Tsuru, handle the bounty adjustments."
"Understood. The operations department will set an appropriate amount in accordance with the World Government's orders," Tsuru replied.
Satisfied with the arrangements, Sengoku turned to Garp. "No wandering around for you, Garp. Stay at Marine Headquarters for the time being."
Garp opened his mouth to protest, but the stern looks from Sengoku and Tsuru left him no choice.
Soon, an eye-popping bounty notice, staggering in its magnitude, spread across the globe like thunder:
Dream Exploration Adventure Crew
Eli Winters – Captain
Age: 15
Devil Fruit: Paramecia, Space-Space Fruit
Haki: All three types
Crime: Heinous Offender
Bounty: 5.3 billion Berries
Big Pan – Pet/Companion
Age: Unknown
Devil Fruit: None
Haki: All three types
Crime: Heinous Offender Bear
Bounty: 2.87 billion Berries
Delos Fiona – Swordswoman
Age: 18
Devil Fruit: Paramecia, String-String Fruit
Haki: Two types
Crime: Heinous Offender
Bounty: 1.26 billion Berries
Dotai – Helmsman
Age: 26, Fishman
Devil Fruit: Weapon-Wielding Ton-Ton Fruit Gloves
Haki: Two types
Crime: Heinous Offender
Bounty: 1.07 billion Berries
Simon – Lookout
Age: 27, Fishman
Devil Fruit: Weapon-Wielding Bomb Trident
Haki: Two types
Crime: Heinous Offender
Bounty: 1.05 billion Berries
Delos Filina – Navigator
Age: 18
Devil Fruit: Natural-Nature Cloud-Cloud Fruit
Haki: Two types
Crime: Heinous Offender
Bounty: 990 million Berries
Chiyo Mochizuki – Cook
Age: 17
Devil Fruit: Zoan Bird-Bird Fruit, Mythical Three Bluebird Form
Haki: Two types
Crime: Heinous Offender
Bounty: 640 million Berries
Vinsmoke Reiku – Doctor
Age: 14
Devil Fruit: Paramecia, Poison-Poison Fruit
Genetic Modifier, Awakened
Haki: Two types
Crime: Heinous Offender
Bounty: 460 million Berries
Cree – Musician
Age: 14
Devil Fruit: Paramecia, Bubble-Bubble Fruit
Crime: Heinous Offender
Bounty: 23 million Berries
The notice also mentioned Eli's recent actions at Whiskey Mountain Town, specifically the elimination of key World Government operatives.
Soon, bounty notices reached people around the world. As they unfurled the thick, weighty documents, expressions shifted rapidly astonishment, rage, pride, or concern. Some frowned, anticipating the storm that was approaching.
Despite the variety of reactions, one thing was undeniable Eli and his crew had once again become the center of global attention, their fame spreading even further.
When Eli's crew received their updated bounties, it was the fourth day since arriving at Whiskey Mountain Town.
By then, the town's residents had gradually awakened from their induced sleep the previous night.
Upon realizing what had transpired, their faces turned pale, fear evident in their eyes. They worried that Eli might hold them accountable for the incident.
Mayor Darui, in particular, panicked. He hurriedly prepared lavish gifts and rushed to Eli's location, heart pounding.
Upon arriving, he did not hesitate. He knelt deeply, tearfully begging for forgiveness.
Eli, knowing that the incident was not the townspeople's fault, did not press for further apologies. He calmly accepted the gift and gestured for Darui to rise.
The next day, Darui returned with another stack of documents.
Dotai opened the door for him. Darui first bowed respectfully, then, brimming with excitement, said to Eli, "Your Excellency, this morning I received your updated bounty notice. Your bounty has now surpassed Whitebeard's, making you the highest in the world."
Eli took the paper and was momentarily stunned by the staggering amount. He then smiled. "The World Government certainly knows how to value me."
"Captain, tell us! How much is our bounty now?" Big Pan asked, barely containing his excitement.
The others were curious as well. While the bounty did not directly affect them, a higher bounty was a symbol of strength and reputation. They were pleased to see it rise.
Eli handed the notices to his crew. Filina and the others glanced at their updated bounties, satisfaction brightening their faces.
Dotai waved his notice enthusiastically. "Captain, now we're hot property! Famous pirates and bounty hunters will swarm us like sharks sensing blood."
Simon, however, frowned. "Captain, shouldn't we leave here immediately?"
Eli shook his head. "No need. The recording compass hasn't fully stored the magnetic energy yet. Leaving now would disrupt our plan. Besides, a few small fry won't trouble us."
Meanwhile, on Judicial Island in the first half of the Grand Line, Shigedel Saint addressed his subordinates seriously. "Eli's bounty notices have spread worldwide. It's time to activate our plan."
"Sir, they are fully prepared. Once you give the order, they will act immediately," a CP0 agent reported respectfully.
"Good. Begin the operation," Shigedel commanded.
"Yes, sir," the agents responded and departed.
Left alone, Shigedel muttered to himself, "Could it be you, Eli Winters?"
_________________________________________________
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